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GS Giant gypsy tour

As a first timer to both the rally and the GS giant gypsy tour, I have some questions that I hope someone will answer. I tried on the GW Giant website but never could get a reply.
One: Would it be a good idea to put knobbies on? I have anakees on now.
Two: What is the deal about points?
Three: Can anyone who has been on the gypsy tour describe the schedule, and the "hard" ride to the rally?
Anymore helpful information would be appreciated.

Knobbies are not a requirement and it's up to you based on your skills and what type of roads you want to travel. I ride on Tourance's and I can manage all but the really nasty stuff which I don't care to do anyway. As for the hard route, I don't know that it's been determined yet but last year's was longer than it was hard. And you will have plenty of new friends to ride with and help you along the way.

Here's a video to give you a taste of what to expect and at about 6 minutes in, a great example of someone needing some help. All ends well!

One: Would it be a good idea to put knobbies on? I have anakees on now.

To add to what Tracy said...

Knobbies can help on the track, if you're serious about competing there. Since you live in SE Arkansas, and you can put some TKCs or Karoos on your bike, it'd be an advantage, but not necessary.

Two: What is the deal about points?

You can earn points for doing various stuff on the way to or during the event. Tracy describes most of the stuff above.. You'll get a scorebook a week ahead of the start and it will outline all the opportunities.

If we manage to scare up any prizes, you can win stuff.

Three: Can anyone who has been on the gypsy tour describe the schedule, and the "hard" ride to the rally?
Anymore helpful information would be appreciated.

There's a post just a page or so ago that shows a few snaps of a "hard" route. Some might throw their head back and issue a Giant-like "har har har" but in general, it's rideable with gear loaded. The roads are public, they're just maintained... country-style.

Wildlife:)

Even these new friendly little shell critters accept us. This one was in trail, so I assist with a GSA ride on my tank, as I check my playbook37! Hope it was a good omen. Not too photogenic, as he clammed up. Better than the snakes, I don't friendly up to. Randy

As a first timer to both the rally and the GS giant gypsy tour, I have some questions that I hope someone will answer. I tried on the GW Giant website but never could get a reply.
One: Would it be a good idea to put knobbies on? I have anakees on now.
Two: What is the deal about points?
Three: Can anyone who has been on the gypsy tour describe the schedule, and the "hard" ride to the rally?
Anymore helpful information would be appreciated.

Hi, I went last year with Michelin Anakee's. I had no issues even on the track, however I chose the easier track because of the tires. That said, this year I plan to have knobbies and plan to ride the 1200 miles on the knobbies there and back. So, if you have the option, definately use knobbies as you will be able try more routes with less risk. If your real question is, I have anakees and can not (afford/justify) putting knobbies on, should I still participate? Absolutely! Just recognize the DS tires will be a consideration with conditions and your experience level. If it gets rainy, those tires will be very risky so just stick to pavement in those conditions.

Points- last year I was curious about the points and very skeptical, I also failed to ask good questions like you are doing. My assumption was that you would need to be a rockstar off road rider to get big points, so I did not put in a big effort to get points. I was wrong, and could have easily been in the hunt to win. You get a booklet emailed that has the ways to earn points. GPS coordinates and such, to go find on the way. My mistake was I only took off work for the weekend before and to the rally weekend, so I was already behind if I wanted all the points and do the gypsy tour as well. I had to get there from Fl. So I went for points, my routes to the adventure detour points took me to places I would have not even looked for without this points chase. We ended up so deep into Tenn and WV that we ended up burning up 4 days having too much fun just riding in the areas we discovered. So, I quit worrying about points as we were enjoying ourselves too much. We ended up having to ride late into the night just to get to the Rally on time. As I said, I quit trying for points, but still finished 15th overall on points. So had I actually tried, who knows. The bottomline is I had so much fun just chasing a few points that I didn't care. This year I plan to chase those points, but not to get the points, it is really to see these places they found to put the points. It made the whole experience a real adventure to what would have otherwise been just another rally. Now I look at the 4 day rally as needing about 14 days, as there is just too much to see and lots of fun to be had.

As a side note my wife was following me the whole way, so it is not about difficult, if you want to be careful you can. It is about the adventure.

This year I plan to chase those points, but not to get the points, it is really to see these places they found to put the points. It made the whole experience a real adventure to what would have otherwise been just another rally.

Thanks, Rich! That was exactly the intent when that list was put together. To show parts of the state that most people would otherwise never see.

We are working on another similar list for Mo. (Oops! Did I just leave a spoiler???)

Another misconception;

Too many GS'ers and others think we're a party animal in dirt, extreme and all else! Well, maybe slight animal like if you see the GS comp. event at the rally itself, BUT. We walk and talk "Adventure" at ALL age groups, from young to much older into late 60s and 70+, so don't shy away think'in you have no interest or don't belong. Your worst mistake, if so. PLEASE spread the word to join in this life changing experience. We are SO willing to welcome newbies to GS'ism and you are never pushed to be unsafe... Just watch,learn(GS seminars a plenty) and maybe, just maybe go get some Adventure for yourself, OFF The Beaten Path". Your GS/GSA is quite a machine, road or dirt or both! If nothing else, you'll smile a plenty, garranteed"). Did I mention EAT WELL too and camp with some great folk...GSGiant/Randy GSA1200"Polarbear"

Missouri has a lot of natural beauty in all corners of the state. Missouri has mountains, crystal clear rivers, rolling Loess Hills, river bluffs and plains. Every corner of the state is different. The state also has lots of unique history. There is something for everyone to explore.

Notice people are still taking chips from his "new" headstone.

He is buried in a field but in 1908 Cole Younger had his body moved to a historic Mormon Graveyard although he was not planted near Saints.

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If you are coming from the West I urge you to spend a little time in the Flint Hills and/or Gypsum Hills in Kansas. Adventurers will not be disappointed.